I studied full-time in the program (Financial Engineering concentration) from 08/2007-12/2009
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
No work exp.
GRE: 1400
Did you get admitted to other programs?
Yes
Why did you choose this program (over others, if applicable)?
I received a scholarship. I learnt later that mostly all students accepted to this program receive scholarships and this is only a way for the school to attract students. Most students would not take admission in this school if not for the scholarship.
What alternative sources of info you used to learn more about the program?
Global derivatives website. I later learnt that the website was shut down because there were numerous allegations how it came up with the rankings for the program. IIT was ranked in the top 15 in that list. I think IIT should be in the last 15 of the list.
Tell us about the application process at this program
The application process for simple and easy. They make it even simpler by not requiring TOEFL scores from international students.
Does this program offer refresher courses for incoming students? What do they offer and how much it costs?
Refresher courses are costly. Fortunately I didn't take any.
Tell us about the courses selection in this program. Any special courses you like?
Some of the courses are great like the risk management, financial modeling and quantitative investment strategies.
Tell us about the quality of teaching
A couple of years back this school had some great professors who were very well known in the industry. Most of these professors quit because of issues with the management. The management is the worst in this school. The ABSOLUTE bottom.
Because most of the good professors quit, the school hired some very bad professors that can't even speak proper english and lets not get started by how and what they teach.
Only a couple of the remaining good professors are really interested in teaching and give time to students.
Materials used in the program
Again, the good professors have notes of their own that are great but only a few such professors exist in this school.
Programming component of the program
There is a financial programming component in the course but the professor is not soo good.
Projects
There are NO research projects in this school. The school does not spend a penny for research activities.
There are NO industry mentors in this school. Most of the companies don't even know about the school. Infact a finance company not even a block away from the school, doesn't even know about this school.
Career service
Worst ever. The school runs a money making scheme where it accepts more than 500 students a year and only like 10% get placed. The others struggle with getting jobs and many international students have to return back to their own countries.
This school only has some rules of its own that none of the other school have, that restricts students and makes it very hard to them to get internships and jobs.
What do you like about the program?
The school does have a strategic location, being in the heart of Chicago, but since none of the finance firms know about this school, it doesn't really matter.
Sorry nothing else comes to my mind to write for this section.
What DON’T you like about the program?
Its just a money making program.
99% of the students are asian, hence no diversity.
The worst of all is the management (dean, associate dean, president etc.). Students make numerous complaints but nothing is ever done about it. The management BLAMES students for everything.
Suggestions for the program to make it better
CHANGE the management ASAP and bring diversity to the program.
Interact more with the industry so at least finance firms know about this school.
More research work and research grants. Currently there in no research work going in the school.
What are your current job status? What are you looking for?
Unemployed
Other comments
Please think twice before taking admission in this school. Most students have had very bad experiences.
The management sucks big time.
